Which measure has been made mandatory for brick kilns in India to reduce emissions, as per the 2024 government report on pollution control?

The correct option is Transition to zig-zag kiln technology.

Explanation:

Brick kilns are a major source of air pollution in India, releasing significant amounts of particulate matter (PM), black carbon, and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. Traditional fixed chimney bull's trench kilns (FCBTK) follow a straight draft system where fuel is fed continuously and air flows in a straight line, leading to incomplete combustion and high fuel consumption.

To address this issue, environmental regulations and government pollution control reports in India have mandated the transition to zig-zag kiln technology. In a zig-zag kiln, the air flows in a zig-zag path, which increases the length of the airflow path and enhances heat transfer. This design promotes complete combustion of coal, improves energy efficiency, and reduces particulate matter emissions by up to 40–50% compared to traditional kilns.